Governor inherits wrath of rebel flag supporters

May 28, 2003

(Atlanta-AP) -- Governor Perdue has inherited the wrath of many people of many people who want to return the Confederate emblem to the Georgia flag.

His predecessor, former Governor Roy Barnes, blamed his November election defeat on the votes of those who opposed his introduction of a state banner that reduced the emblem that had been displayed on the flag since 1956.

Perdue promised a referendum on the state flag, but the bill he signed omits the Rebel emblem as a choice. The day Perdue was inaugurated, three planes circled downtown Atlanta for eleven hours, towing 33-foot banners that featured the 1956 state flag with its Confederate battle emblem. "Let Us Vote, You Promised," one banner read.

The aerial "flagging" has since been duplicated twice: an April 17th meeting of the Republican Governors Association at Lake Oconee and May 17th over the state Republican convention in Macon. Who is behind the flights is a mystery.

Mitch and Bonnie Mordas operate Bonnie's Banners in Pike County. They were paid at least $10,000 for the inaugural flight. Mitch Mordas said he does not know who arranged the flight and "it's better that I don't know."